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The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairman E.H. Culpepper who provided a brief
welcome and call for self–introductions. The list of meeting attendees (RAC members, staff,
and guests) is located at the end of these minutes.
Following introductions, Chairman Culpepper called for ratification of the previous meeting's
minutes. Vice Chairman Rope Roberts moved, seconded by Danny Stone, that the minutes of the
February 22, 2001 (Reynolds Plantation, Greene County) meeting be approved. Without further
discussion or corrections, the motion carried, minutes approved.
Chairman Culpepper introduced the meeting program with remarks made by Bob Sosebee during a
leadership summit of the RAC held June 2000. According to Sosebee, RAC 5 provides a regional
voice to the State for leadership development, infrastructure development, and workforce
development. Furthermore, Sosebee noted that leadership in regional cooperation is essential
to the success of each of these elements, and essential to a continued quality of life.
Upon conclusion of Sosebee's video-recorded opening remarks, Chairman Culpepper introduced the
program speaker, Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (DITT) Commissioner R.K. Sehgal.
Commissioner Sehgal's remarks centered on the importance of leadership to effecting successful
economic development in the State of Georgia. Furthermore, to ensure continued success, "in the
family" assessments need to be conducted. As an example, Sehgal noted while the State's
universities are heavily invested in research activities, investments in the commercialization
and marketing of such research are significantly limited. Sehgal advised that to successfully
market and develop the region, local leadership strength must be expressed through the
performance of self-assessments. An invitation was then extended to the RAC to assess regional
resources, and to make a presentation to DITT project managers as to regional marketing and/or
investment opportunities.
Following Commissioner Sehgal's discussion, questions were solicited. Jim Burgess inquired as
to the slow progress of rapid rail that would connect Atlanta with other areas of the State.
Commissioner Sehgal suggested that limited progress has occurred in this area due to the lack
of concerted efforts on the part of local leaders to effectively influence the priorities of
statewide leaders.
Noting that State dollars dedicated to tourism development are markedly less than that expended
by neighboring states, Paul Chambers asked as to how such spending may receive higher
prioritization. Sehgal advised that tourism development leaders have not fully convinced State
leaders of the importance of tourism to Georgia's economy.
Following questions, Regional Economic Advancement and Development Initiative (READI)
certificates were presented by Commissioner Sehgal to each of the 12 counties within Region 5,
and a certificate in recognition of the overall regional effort.
The next matter of discussion was that of workforce development. Providing an update of
workforce development activities, Susie Haggard of DITT discussed recent activities of the
Workforce Development Partnership of Northeast Georgia. Haggard noted that the partnership
is implementing three (3) grant-funded initiatives. The first initiative, mapping the
educational and career opportunity resources of the region, is near completion and will be
available to the public electronically. The second initiative involves the identification of
various occupations that are growing or emerging within the region. Completion of this phase
of the project is anticipated June 2000. The final initiative relates to the creation of an
interactive web site that will provide consumers with a user–friendly means by which to receive
valuable career decision–making information.
Discussion then turned to water resources issues. At the request of Howard (Sonny) Turner,
chairman of the Water Resources Committee, Winfred Owens introduced the discussion. Owens
reminded the group that during its previous meeting, held February 22, 2001 at the Reynolds
Plantation in Greene County, a resolution was made to support the development and implementation
of a comprehensive water policy and plan for the State of Georgia. It was further resolved
that Senate Resolution 142, which called for the creation of a Joint Study Committee, Water
Plan Advisory Committee, and Comprehensive Water Plan, be given careful and favorable
consideration for passage by members of the General Assembly. In view of the passage of
the legislation by the General Assembly, Owens suggested, at the request of Turner, that
the RAC consider supporting the recommendation of a RAC member to serve on the Water Plan
Advisory Committee. Chairman Culpepper called for the selection of Wendell Dawson, with Davis
Morgan and Iola Stone serving as additional alternates.
Following the discussion of water resources, Leadership Committee Chairman Jim Hunt
discussed the status of negotiations with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government
related to the production of a video on "How Government Works." Hunt noted that negotiations
are currently underway and are near completion.
Charlie Crawford then discussed the Northeast Georgia Technical Career Academy. Crawford
informed the RAC that the Academy was not allocated funding by the General Assembly during
its most recent session, but informed the group that adequate funding was achieved through
the Department of Technical and Adult Education to support two (2) positions. Slated to
begin this fall, the program will accommodate 25 area seniors who are interested in
acquiring skills in the areas of manufacturing, service, construction, and information
technology.
Following the discussion of the Career Academy, Chairman Culpepper appointed a nominating
committee to recommend RAC chair and vice–chair candidates for the upcoming year (possibly
for a 1˝ year term, pending proposed calendar year service terms). Culpepper nominated Susan
Holmes, Chris Ramsay, and Wendell Dawson to serve on the committee, and to report to the RAC
as to their nominations at the next RAC meeting scheduled for June 28, 2001.
Chairman Culpepper stated that Susan Holmes and Bob Sosebee were unable to attend the RAC
meeting underway (April 17, 2001) due to their attendance at the Georgia Rural Development
Council (GRDC) meeting/retreat. The Chairman noted that one of the GRDC's emphases is on the
development of affordable housing. Chairman Culpepper expressed his hope that Holmes and
Sosebee would report at the next meeting as to how the RAC may assist with facilitating such
efforts.
Chairman Culpepper also reminded the RAC of the OneGeorgia application that was submitted
jointly with Region 7 for the development of a feasibility study related to the development
of a biotechnology corridor linking Augusta and Athens. He advised that the grant application
was not approved during round one (1), but that a meeting is scheduled with Susan Hart,
Associate Director of the OneGeorgia Authority, to discuss re–submittal options for round 3,
ending October 14, 2001.
Following this discussion, and at the request of Chairman Culpepper, Winfred Owens suggested
that the RAC pre–schedule its upcoming meeting dates to coordinate with the State's fiscal
year, beginning July 2001. Bimonthly meetings on fourth Thursdays were suggested, which would
result in meeting dates of July 26, September 27 and November 29 (November exception: 4th
Thursday [11/22] is Thanksgiving). As suggested, the final meeting of fiscal year 2001 would
remain scheduled for June 28, 2001.
Former RAC member/guest and Walton County Development Authority Director Nancy Kinsey then made
the recommendation that the Region 5 RAC accept Commissioner Sehgal's invitation to make a
presentation regarding regional marketing opportunities to DITT project managers. Chairman
Culpepper requested that Vice–Chairman Rope Roberts chair a committee to coordinate this
activity.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. RAC members and guests were
then treated to a multi–course meal prepared by the Athens Area Chef's Association and were
given a presentation regarding the Hospitality Careers Panel.
 
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